Driving Ms. Robot

In addition to hearing from experts about their research, youths who attend the Yale's Science Saturdays programs have an opportunity to enjoy some hands-on science.

For example, in addition to a talk by Yale chemist Nilay Hazari on "Making Valuable Materials from the Greenhouse Gas Carbon Dioxide," the Feb. 1 program included a demonstration by members of the Wrecker Robotics Team of Staple High School in Westport, a FIRST FTC Robotics Team. Here, Madeline Schemel (left) and Sage Vouse turn over the controls of their robot to a young girl. Schemel, Vouse, and Wrecker Robotics teammate Parker Stakoff (not pictured) are the founders of the Wrecker Robotics GIRLS Program (Girls Inspiring girls in Robotics and as Leaders in STEM).

The Science Saturdays lecture series aims to bring the excitement of research and the passion of scientists to school-age children. Each event involves a lecture by a Yale professor and science demonstrations. The lectures are free and open to residents of New Haven and beyond, and the topics explored are for kids in 7th grade and above.

The next installment in the series, on March 1, will feature a talk by Yale physicist Reina Maruyama on "Neutrinos, Dark Matter, and the Arctic." The program will take place 10 a.m.–noon in Sterling Chemistry Lab, 225 Prospect St.